The Russian Federation continues to deepen its bilateral relations with Iran and North Korea in exchange for lethal assistance to its military for use in the war against Ukraine.
This is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Iranian state news agency Mehr News Agency reported that in October Iran will launch its Hod-Hod and Kosar satellites into low Earth orbit from an unidentified Russian station.
According to the Bank of Korea, in 2023, North Korea's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.1% compared to 2022. The growth was recorded for the first time after an annual decline since 2019.
In addition, according to the financial institution, the DPRK's heavy and chemical industries, including the production of iron, steel, copper, nickel, and aluminum, grew by 8.1% in 2023.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik has previously stated that Russia's supply of food to North Korea in exchange for weapons has helped Pyongyang stabilize prices and likely stimulated North Korean domestic production.
The ISW report also noted that North Korea has transferred up to 4.8 million artillery shells to Russia, and Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed-136/131 drones and components.
Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 29/07/2024